Unites States Singer Akons Africa lighting project has received $1 billion backing from Chinese investors. Akon, who is mostly known for churning out hits as a producer and songwriter as well revealed this in an interview with Vlad TV.
“So I went to China. I met up with some friends out there, some manufacturers, and aligned myself with one of the biggest companies in China that’s owned by the Chinese Government, that manufactures Solar,” Akon said.
The musician revealed that the money has gone a long way into boosting the Akon Lighting Africa project that boasts various solar solutions among these street lamps, domestic and individual kits for 15 African countries.
This has resulted in health centers, schools, community houses and villages getting access to electricity for the first time. Other tangible results include employment for the local youth who also install and maintain the solar equipment.
Akon, whose official name is Aliaune Damala Bouga, also spoke of his African background in Senegal, that saw him grow without electricity while thanking everyone that helped him get the Chinese credit at the same time.
The Akon Lighting Africa project started last year and so far has brought electricity to more than 600 million people in Africa with its headquarters being in Bamako, Mali.
Although foreign experts are helping Africans with the technical support of the project, it was agreed that once the locals acquire the necessary skills they will be left to manage it.
Akon runs the project together with Senegalese political activist Thione Niang and Malian entrepreneur Samba Bathily and Chief Executive Officer of the solar energy company, Solektra International.
